X Report 24 Dec 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant 2026 launches while a Starlink satellite anomaly provides insights into its operations.
ECHOSTAR 4 (25331)
COSPAR: 1998-028A | Alt Name: Echostar IV
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 7, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25331
International Designator
1998-028A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:17:38 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.76°
Right Ascension
31.08°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
300.36°
Period
1455.26 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ECHOSTAR 4
Alternative Name
Echostar IV
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ECHO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25331U 98028A 26184.76225692 -.00000073 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 25331 11.7600 31.0818 0011145 300.3600 61.9157 0.98951629102502
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ECHOSTAR 4, also known as Echostar IV, is a communication satellite launched on May 7, 1998, from the Tyuratam Site (TYMSC) in Kazakhstan using a Proton-K/DM-2M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by LM Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) and is owned by EchoStar Corporation. The satellite has dimensions of 4.5 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 21 meters due to its solar arrays. At launch, ECHOSTAR 4 had a mass of 3470 kilograms and was equipped with 32 Ku-band transponders for direct broadcasting communication purposes. The spacecraft features two deployable solar arrays and batteries as power sources, and it reached operational stability the day after its launch on May 8, 1998.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.5
Diameter
1.8
Span
21
Dry Mass
1580
Launch Mass
3470
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
16.5995
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Echostar 4
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
LMCSS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
A2100AX
Configuration
A2100AX
Motor
Leros 1C
Equipment
32 Ku-band transponders
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 20 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
The Day a Rocket Changed Space Policy Forever
Thirty years ago, a Chinese rocket veered off course two seconds after liftoff, destroyed a village, and triggered a political scandal that reshaped how the United States controls space technology to this day
Space Brief 4 Jun 2025
Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.
Vulcan Booster Anomaly Under Scrutiny After USSF-87 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan faces scrutiny after solid booster anomaly on USSF-87 mission. ThinKom wins portable satellite ground station contract. Space Force starts Project Hecate for GPS past 2040.
Space Brief 28 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris
As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.
Space Brief 26 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.